The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1887-07-21

"Nof 10 be caught uy cuaus my M
shentIeman. commented the aniable bri,
abrse dealer, tarning back ioto his ding
abode. "You don't get Of you're bareai
so easily as that Then hs proceeded |
unlock a fire proof safe 10 the corner {
his ssuc,um, aud eloated sresdiiy over ih
documents reposing therein; document
which represented some remarkably hsr
bargains driven by Mr.. Zsrubbabel wit
his lawful prey, men iu diniculsies. II
was interrupted in pleasant recreation
one 10 which he usually spent any spar
moments he could snatch from tusines,
by the entrance OF friend aud compstrioi
one Abiram Levi, a picture dealer H.
profession,
After an exchange Of amiable greeting
the two gentlemen spent half IN hour o
40 10 confidential conversation on tn
state OF their respective trades; then, a.
pleasant desaucreaeaf after this headwork /
they imbibed several glasses OF brand
and water AMI smoked as many high fla
yored cigars.
Perhaps Mr. Levi consumed more thai
his full share OF these Injuries. for in
moment OF expansion he began TO talk owe
his business projects for the coming season
i've got capital thing in view.
don't mind telling you about it. Zerubba
bel, my dear boy, for you're not in thu
same swim. so 1t doesn't matter Hay,
yon heard of young Megilp's academy
picture2'
Zerubbabel shook his head, but leaned
forward eagerly, with his cunning eye'
fixed on Lewis flushed countenance.
splendid thing-safe to make q sensa
tion. mean to get it cheap. II ] Gao
and as he's only young fellow aud APP
hard up, the chances are | shall. ;
Think the picture really worth hav-
ing?" said Zsrubbabel with depreeiatory
shrug.
"Not doubt about it, You see it's an
Attractive subject and one that is sure to
take the public. They don't like your
grand historical pictures. They prefer
something pretty and pastoral, and that
,ort Of thing. Bet you what you like that
Megip's picture'll be hung on the line
At all events, I'm going around to his
'tudio in few days to make an offer for
T."
Mr.. Zerubbabel smiled and rubbed his
,ands complacently. He had learned
that might be useful to him.
He didn't get rid of Mr.. Levi until late
n the afternoon. consequently il was near.
y o'clock before he emerged from his
hop and stopped passing bus.
In less than half an hour the bric-a.brac
lealer was set down close to Megilps door.
The servant who answered the bell told
i'm that Mr.. Megilp was dining out that
light. and asked him if he would see her
Mistress.
Thinking a lady would be an easy GUS
omer to deal with, Mr.. Zerubbabel said
e would like to speak to Mrs Megilp
Or q few minutes Accordingly he was
shered into the drawing room. where
hat lady shortly joined him.
"You have called to see my husband
-about the-bill of sale," the little
oman began in frightened tone.
"Well, yes, ma'am, in way | have;
ut should ike to see the picture be
ffered me this morning"
"The academy picture'" suggested Mrs.
Iegilp, her face Frightening. II am so
orry, but my husband generally locks up
is studio when he goes out. Cant you
all another day and see it?'
"0b. yes" answered Mr.. Zerubbabel,
miably; but as I'm here might as well
III you OF the offer l am willing to make.
Mrs. Megilps pretty face beamed with
~ at the idea Of arranging matters with
,e money lender. II would be such
elightful surprise for Michael Angelo
hen be came home to find that tiresome
usiness OF the bill Of sale had been
rougbt to a satisfactory conclusion dur
,g bis absence.
"Mr Megllp wants to back his bill OF
lie on this furniture" began Mr.. Zerub-
abel, with circular sweep OF the hands
wards the contents OF the room.
~, es," brcsthed poor Msdge with q
liver, for she thought that tho odious
ian looked as il he would like 10 carry of
er household goods there and then. All
le brightness went out OF her face and
lie grew quite pale.
"Well, Of course my expenses in con-
sction with this bill have been heavy
Try heavy, and my loss, II let il be paid
! at once. will be great very great; 10
ct, fl00 will barely put me straight,
I'd Mr., Zerubbabel in q business-like
me- THAT, added to the f2O0 Mr..
egilp borrowed Of me last year. makes
300. Now. III make him this offer. I'll
We a check for e2j aud send him back
q bill OF sale 10 consideration OF his
ademy picture the big one, mind.
can = becoming my property"
THE picture has been valued at f50O,
IT in Mrs Megilp. timidiy.
"Oh, has IN BY yon and Mr.. Megilp,
supposed Well, / amt gong to give
at. What have offered is as good Is
'25 --an uucommonly high price, let me
i you. ma'am. for picture by an un
Iown artist"
Every one says that my husband is one
The rising artists OF the day" exclaimed
RS. Megilp, firing mp.
'sOh, they all are. re,orted Mr.. Zernb-
bel, rising. "Sull, you bad better
ink over my offer, and tell Mr. Meeilp
lat have said. III call round 10 day
tuo 10 see Tho uicture yhru Won can